The American Heart Association has published its "2026 Dietary Guidance to Improve Cardiovascular Health" in its flagship journal, Circulation, offering updated recommendations for a heart-healthy eating pattern. The guidance comes amid findings that more than half of U.S. adults and about 60% of children have unhealthy diets, contributing to high rates of high blood pressure, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.
According to the Association, the new statement outlines nine key features of a heart-healthy dietary pattern, focusing on overall eating habits rather than specific nutrients or foods. The recommendations include adjusting energy intake and expenditure to maintain a healthy body weight, eating a variety of vegetables and fruits, choosing whole grains, and selecting healthy sources of protein such as legumes, fish, and lean meats. The guidance also emphasizes choosing unsaturated fats over saturated fats, minimizing processed foods, reducing added sugars and sodium, and limiting alcohol consumption.
Alice H. Lichtenstein, D.Sc., FAHA, volunteer chair of the scientific statement writing committee and senior scientist at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, said, "For healthy eating to be more attainable and sustainable, we recommend people focus on their overall eating pattern rather than specific nutrients or foods. Every time you choose to make a swap for a healthier alternative, you’re making a step toward a healthier life."
The dietary guidance is designed to improve cardiovascular health but is also consistent with recommendations for other conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, some cancers, and brain health due to shared risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. "A healthy dietary pattern can support lifelong health and well-being beyond cardiovascular health," Lichtenstein added.
The American Heart Association encourages individuals to learn more about heart-healthy eating at heart.org/healthydiet and to consult healthcare providers for personalized advice.
